The federal government is subsidising a new drug for Australians suffering with a rare, fatal heart condition through Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

    From February 1, Uptravi (selexipag) will be PBS listed for the first time to treat Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), for use in combination with existing therapies, Health Minister Greg Hunt said in a statement on Sunday.

    He estimates over 700 Australians would access this drug who would need to pay more than $41,000 per year with out the subsidy.

    Instead, patients will now only pay $41.30 per script or $6.60 for concessional patients under the PBS.

    "This listing can provide some patients with improvement in daily activities and quality of life, as well as delaying the need for injectable treatments and reducing the risks associated with IV infusions," Mr Hunt said.

    "PAH is a complex disease and can advance quickly if left untreated. Uptravi can delay the progression of PAH for some patients."